The French etiquette at the table is quite important in France. Do not try to overdo it, simply act as with common sense, be polite and respectful and you'll get respect and help in return.

Mealtime Tradition
As a rule, the French eat three meals a day. Even though this practice is disappearing in the professional world, many people see this tradition as an important aspect of the French way of life.

French people start the day with the petit dejeuner (breakfast), which consists of bread (le pain): baguette, croissants or brioches, with an expresso, a cafe creme (expresso with hot, foamy milk), a simple but strong bowl of drip coffee or a chocolat chaud (hot cocoa).

Then comes the dejeuner (lunch), enjoyed between noon and 2:00 pm, which is usually the main meal of the day (when travelling in France - except in Paris - don't be surprised if most of the businesses are closed during these sacro-saint two hours). In the evening, the diner (dinner) is served not earlier than 8:00pm.

During the Meal
A French meal is very structured and sequentially organized. Follow the pace and try to eat at least a little of everything, even if you don't like it.

A French meal is always served with bread and accompanied by wine and water. Non-alcoholic drinks like coke, soda or coffee is never drunk with a meal but comes afterwards. If you're not drinking wine, a bottle of water is always available: eau minerale ou gazeuse, mineral or sparkling water. Always use the bigger glass for water. Do not put ice in you wine (even if it is a white wine), in most restaurants, wine is brought to you at the temperature at which it is supposed to be enjoyed.

Cheese is considered a real course but it is not mandatory. If you like it, take two or three kinds, mild ones preferably, and be careful to cut out your portion off so that the shape of the large piece of cheese is maintained. Avoid any Catsup (except for French fries), instead try out the varieties of mustards.

Don't put your hands under the table nor your elbows on the table. Keep your left hand on the table while you eat. French people cut their meat with their fork in the left hand and their knife in the right and usually do not switch their fork after dropping their knife. French table manners are sometimes tough for many people but don't worry too much about using utensils. Neatness and elegance are more important than which hand holds the knife.

Expect many French people to smoke at the table (often without asking) in between dishes, either in restaurants or at home.